Root Canal: Procedure, Cost and Benefits
Root canal treatment is a standard dental procedure. This treatment can help you save a diseased or damaged tooth instead of having it extracted. This procedure may be performed by a general dentist or an endodontist specializing in root canal treatments.
Pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It forms the innermost layer of the tooth, beneath the dentin and enamel. The pulp extends through a channel in the tooth root, called the root canal, and connects to your bone and gums.
Types Of Root Canal Treatments
There are a few different types of root canals. The kind your dentist recommends will vary based on your situation.
Non-surgical Root Canal Treatment
Non-surgical root canal treatment is also known as conventional root canal treatment. So when your dentist says you need a root canal, they’re likely referring to this standard procedure. A non-surgical root canal procedure involves:
- Opening the top of the tooth.
- Removing all pulp tissue.
- Sealing the tooth with a filling material.
For more details about non-surgical root canal treatment steps, keep reading.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves accessing the tooth’s pulp through the root instead of through the crown. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for an apicoectomy if non-surgical root canal treatment isn’t possible.
To access your tooth root, your endodontist will make a small incision in your gum tissue. After removing any infected tissue around the root and the tip of the root, they’ll seal the root canal with a filling.
Pulpectomy or Pulpotomy
A pulpectomy is a dental procedure to remove all pulp from inside a tooth. A pulpotomy, also called a partial pulpectomy, is a similar procedure that involves removing only the pulp in the pulp chamber.
These procedures may be performed to resolve severe toothache pain in dental emergencies quickly. In some cases, the tooth can be sealed with a permanent filling material right away. In other cases, you’ll need to return for a non-surgical root canal.
Why Do You Need A Root Canal?
Your dentist may recommend a root canal if your tooth’s pulp has become infected or inflamed. This can occur if you have a deep cavity that allows bacteria to enter the pulp. The pulp may also become damaged by repeated dental procedures or damage to the tooth, such as a chip or crack. Some signs of needing a root canal include:
- Severe tooth pain when you bite or chew;
- Lingering sensitivity after consuming hot and cold foods and drinks;
- Gums that are swollen, tender, or darkened;
- Visible cracks, chips, or holes in the tooth.
The Benefits and Risks Of A Root Canal
Like any dental procedure, root canals have both benefits and risks. Your dentist may recommend this procedure if they determine the usefulness of root canal treatment outweigh the risks.
Benefits
Root canal treatment helps you save a diseased or damaged tooth instead of having it extracted. While having a tooth pulled may seem more straightforward, preserving the tooth with a root canal has many benefits.
When a tooth is pulled, it leaves a gap in your smile. Not only is this a cosmetic issue, but it may have an impact on your health. For example, a missing tooth may make it harder for you to chew. In addition, your other teeth may shift toward each other to fill the gap left by the missing tooth, leaving you with misaligned teeth.
While dentists can replace missing teeth with a denture, bridge, or implant, these restorations don’t feel the same as your natural teeth, and they don’t function as well.
Risks
Root canal treatment is a routine procedure that’s generally very effective, with success rates as high as 98%. However, root canal risks and complications may occur. These risks may include an allergic reaction to medication or a change in how your teeth fit together.
Sometimes, a tooth doesn’t heal as expected after a root canal and may become painful months after the procedure. As a result, your dentist may recommend an additional procedure, known as retreatment, to save the tooth. Retreatment may involve repeating the root canal procedure or performing an apicoectomy.
Root Canal Procedure: Step by Step
Non-surgical root canal treatment is a reasonably simple procedure. Generally, it can be completed in one or two visits. Here’s what you can expect during your root canal procedure:
- The dentist will numb the area around your tooth with injections of a local anesthetic.
- They’ll place a rubber sheet around your tooth. This helps the tooth stay dry during the procedure.
- Next, they’ll make an opening in the top of your tooth.
- Using tiny tools, they’ll carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue.
- The dentist will shape and widen the root canals to prepare them for filling.
- They’ll flush away debris inside the tooth. Once the tooth is clean, they may apply medicine to eliminate bacteria from the root canals.
- Next, the dentist will fill the root canals. Generally, dentists use adhesive cement and a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- Finally, they’ll close the opening in the top of your tooth with a temporary filling. In some cases, it may be possible to place a permanent filling and complete the root canal in one visit.
- After the root canal steps described above, you’ll likely need a follow-up visit to complete the procedure.
- At the appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary filling.
- Next, they’ll place a permanent filling or crown.
How Long Does A Root Canal Take?
A root canal can generally be completed in one or two dental visits. Therefore, you can expect each appointment to take around 90 minutes. The appointment time will vary depending on which tooth needs to be treated. For example, the teeth in the front of the mouth usually have just one root and one root canal to be treated more quickly. On the other hand, the molars have two to three roots, each containing one or two root canals, so that the treatment will take longer.
In more complex cases, cleaning and shaping the root canals may take several hours. For these teeth, your dentist may recommend spreading the treatment over several appointments.
Is Getting A Root Canal Painful?
Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around your tooth, so you should feel little to no pain during the root canal procedure. The numbness generally lasts for two to four hours after the procedure. When it wears off, you may feel some discomfort in your treated tooth. If this discomfort lasts more than a few days, see your dentist or endodontist.
Root Canal Aftercare Guide
Your dentist or endodontist will provide aftercare instructions to help you recover from your procedure. This aftercare guide may include the following tips:
- Avoid eating for the first few hours after the procedure.
- If you have a temporary filling, chew on the other side of your mouth.
- Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods, such as scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes.
- Brush and floss daily to keep the treated area clean.
- Manage post-procedure discomfort with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
- Return for a follow-up appointment for a final crown, if necessary.
Root Canal Comparisons
If your dentist recommends a root canal, you may wonder how it compares to other dental treatments and conditions.
Root Canal vs. Cavity
A cavity is a hole in your tooth enamel that forms as a result of tooth decay. When you have a cavity, you may notice tooth pain or sensitivity. In some cases, this pain may mean you need a root canal.
Root Canal vs. Filling
When cavities are small, they may be repaired with fillings. More extensive cavities may allow bacteria into the tooth’s pulp, resulting in an infection. These cavities may require root canal treatment.
Root Canal vs. Crown
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to restore a damaged tooth’s look or function. A tooth that needs a crown may not need a root canal. However, a tooth that needs a root canal will often require a crown. That’s because these teeth may be more susceptible to chips and cracks.
How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment may vary based on where you live and which tooth is involved. For example, for a root canal on one of your front teeth, you can expect to pay around $700 to $90013. Root canal treatment for a premolar tooth costs around $800 to $1,000. And for a root canal on a molar, the average cost is around $950 to $1,300. Your root canal cost may be higher if the procedure is performed by an endodontist instead of your general dentist.
To protect your treated tooth, your dentist may need to place a permanent crown. A crown generally costs between $800 and $1,500, depending on its material.